Chapter 1769 Injury Recovery <TOC> Chapter 1771 The Shuttlecraft
Translator: SumTLMan
On an elongated dining table, a refined candelabrum bearing the intricate pattern of a seductress flickers with a mellow golden flame, sending gentle wafts of pleasant fragrance into the air.
In front of Angel lay exquisite porcelain tableware, holding within vibrant and delectable dishes.
Sitting opposite him, both Little Six and Helen had similar setups. However, the food before Helen was much lighter in nature, suggesting that it had been specially prepared for her.
After Angel had treated Helen’s mental injuries, he had intended to leave. Yet, it seemed Helen felt indebted to Angel. Given she didn’t have an appropriate gift at the moment to offer in gratitude, she sought to keep Angel around a bit longer, hoping that at least a meal might serve as a token of her appreciation.
After some contemplation, Angel decided to stay.
Firstly, he didn’t want Helen to constantly feel beholden to him, and secondly… Toby had awakened.
During their time aboard the Cloud Conch vessel, Helen had come to know Toby’s preferences inside and out.
Immediately summoning small dried fish, which Toby hadn’t savored in a while, he salivated so much that it dripped over Angel’s shoulder.
Amidst the flickering lamplight, Angel casually nibbled on some food before halting. Placing a bowl of ocean-flavored thick soup before Toby, the latter didn’t hesitate. Now and then, he would nibble on some salty dried fish, and at other times bend down to sip the aromatic fish soup. Throughout the meal, Toby’s head remained lowered, and in the serene room, all that could be heard was the sound of Toby slurping.
Little Six remained silent due to her formal nature. Having previously mustered all her courage to stop Angel, she now chose to remain silent throughout the meal, maintaining a peaceful demeanor.
Helen seemed to want to say something. Yet, the tranquil ambiance felt so comfortable; it reminded her of the times aboard the Cloud Conch. She didn’t wish to break that cherished silence.
However, after finishing his meal, Angel looked up and addressed Helen, “How have you been at Summer Dew Ridge?”
Helen pondered for a moment before replying, “Though there are parts I’m not fond of, overall, it’s been good. Silkvine has taken great care of me.”
When the topic of Silkvine came up, a shadow of sorrow flashed across Helen’s eyes.
“What parts don’t you like?” Angel quirked an eyebrow. Although Helen’s words seemed to be overall positive, the structure of her statement showed that she first expressed her dissatisfaction, and then provided a caveat. This indicated that her inner dissatisfaction with Summer Dew Ridge was more intense than one might have initially imagined.
Helen opened her mouth, unsure of how to respond. After all, Summer Dew Ridge was her affiliated wizard organization, and it seemed inappropriate to just disparage it.
As Helen grappled with her response, Little Six spoke up, “Is it because of the transplant issue?”
Helen looked at Little Six with surprise, “How did you know?”
“Silkvine told me,” Little Six said, bringing the matter to light, “She warned me earlier that when chatting with you, I should avoid discussing the topic of transplantation.” She raised this matter now especially because Angel was present, hoping that with Angel’s insight, he might help Helen untangle her emotional knots.
Helen’s expression confirmed that Little Six was right.
Transplant issue? Angel pondered for a moment, seemingly grasping the crux of the matter. “Is it because of Summer Dew Witch’s Modification Plan?”
Helen paused for a moment before nodding in agreement.
“I see,” a look of understanding flashed in Angel’s eyes.
Seeing both Helen and Angel fall silent after mentioning the “modification plan,” Little Six’s curiosity was piqued. After hesitating for a long time, she finally inquired, “What is this modification plan?”
After a brief moment of hesitation, Helen responded, “In Summer Dew Ridge, every individual is required to undergo physical transplantation and modification. That is the modification plan.”
“Physical transplantation and modification?” Little Six furrowed her brows, “It doesn’t sound like a bad thing on the surface.”
The human physique ultimately has its limits. On the grand scale of things, compared to many other races, humans rank somewhere in the middle to lower tier.
Hence, wizards, in their quest to transcend the physical limitations of their bodies, have explored a myriad of methods. This includes integrating special bloodlines and transplanting organs, to name a few… Most wizards undertake such practices. Sanders, for instance, might still look human on the outside, but within, many of his organs have ceased to be truly human.
So, through the eyes of a wizard, such alterations and transplants don’t appear to be a big deal.
Furthermore, judging by Helen’s tone, it seems this modification project had outside assistance — a significant benefit indeed. Some seek out transplants but can’t even find experts in the field.
Helen, of course, understood what Little Six implied. She shook her head, saying, “While modification and transplantation aren’t inherently bad, however…”
“But, it doesn’t truly come from your heart,” Angel interjected, encapsulating Helen’s unfinished thought, “Right?”
Helen nodded in agreement.
All of the transplants performed at Summer Dew Ridge were undertaken by Summer Dew Witch. Everything was done according to her wishes, not genuinely based on the recipient’s will. This was something Helen found hard to swallow.
Little Six now somewhat grasped the concept; if the transplant wasn’t genuinely based on an individual’s desire, it’s indeed challenging to accept. After all, if a woman, who values beauty, is transplanted with organs from a grotesque creature, it would be unbearable.
However, this was just Little Six’s perspective. She couldn’t help but turn her gaze towards Angel, curious about his opinion since he was aware of this modification project.
Angel elaborated, “In the wizard community of the Southern Region, there are two incredibly renowned Karabians. Both are females, and they exemplify the Karabits’ innate passion for biological research.”
“One resides in the Devil’s Sea, and the other currently dwells in the Abyss.”
“The two are respectively the Basket Witch of Summer Dew Ridge, known as Summer Dew Witch, and a member of the Research Institute, nicknamed ‘The Grafting Lunatic’ — Dongola.”
As for these two, Angel’s view is straightforward.
From a technical standpoint, Dongola far surpasses Summer Dew Witch. While Dongola has a notorious disposition, she is, after all, a member of the Research Institute. Simply being admitted to the Research Institute is a testament to Dongola’s technical proficiency.
However, viewing from a human nature perspective, Summer Dew Witch, though she possesses a rather twisted and vile character and frequently modifies and transplants a plethora of nightmarish creatures, seems to never be so obstinate towards her own people from Summer Dew Ridge.
Thus, from this perspective, Summer Dew Witch appears to be much more reliable than Dongola.
Angel voiced his opinion, “… Yet, Summer Dew Witch’s transplants are often whimsical. Even if she doesn’t intend to harm you, the procedure may not necessarily suit you.”
Helen, being directly involved, is somewhat blinded by her situation. Angel, with a broader perspective, elucidated the intricacies for her, which indeed enlightened her.
Moreover, there are ways to avoid transplantation. According to Silkvine, only after advancing to a second level apprentice, undergoing special training, and being adequately prepared, one can withstand the transplant’s rejection. If Helen applies for a journey during her second level apprentice stage and only returns after being promoted to a formal witch, she can naturally avoid the transplant.
However, using this method means forgoing the resources of Summer Dew Ridge. Additionally, there might not be a guaranteed opportunity for advancement.
So, one needs to weigh the options carefully.
Helen nodded, “I understand.”
Angel could indeed offer Helen protection, perhaps using his status to negotiate with Summer Dew Witch. But ultimately, it’s Helen’s life. He can assist her once, but he cannot help her for a lifetime.
Moreover, the character of Summer Dew Witch is rather defiant. If Angel were to negotiate using his status from the Research Institute, perhaps she might be persuaded to take a step back. However, who knows if she might implant some sort of backdoor during the transplantation for Helen.
Thus, the choice comes down to compromise or pursuing freedom at all costs. Ultimately, only Helen’s own perspective on the matter holds paramount importance.
After discussing the modification plan, Angel broached a few other topics.
As long as it doesn’t touch upon the core matters of Summer Dew Ridge, Helen is willing to respond.
However, within Helen’s replies, she can’t seem to escape the mention of Silkvine. Each time she brings her up, a shade of sorrow crosses Helen’s eyes.
Toward the end, Helen looks at Angel, hesitating as if she wants to say something. “My Lord, I…”
But as soon as she starts, she stops herself. She wishes to ask Angel to help Silkvine, but she’s aware that Angel and Silkvine share no connection. An impulsive request might offend him.
Furthermore, Angel has already saved her nearly without asking for anything in return. To ask for more would be to overstep her bounds.
However, even though Helen doesn’t voice her concerns, how could Angel not understand her sentiments?
He pondered for a moment, “Why not tell me about Silkvine? I’ve heard she was abducted. If this incident occurred near Sky Mechanical City, I could speak to the law enforcement team on your behalf.”
Chapter 1769 Injury Recovery <TOC> Chapter 1771 The Shuttlecraft